The Road Less Travelled: Places to Go People to See – Things to Do In Manchester

Since I started blogging, I’ve been doing some serious travelling. Actually, it’s not been serious at all, it’s been quite fun, but there has been alot of it. Previously a home-bird, I’ve found I actually enjoy exploring new places, and while you won’t find me climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I have been broadening my horizons by visiting some great places round the UK.

As a southerner born and bred, the north of England holds some mystique for me. I’ve been as far as Blackpool, stopping in Birmingham on the way and I loved it. A change is as good as a rest so they say. After receiving an invitation to an event in Manchester, I thought I’d have a look and see what else there is to do in the area so we can maybe make a weekend of it. Here’s what I came up with:

Lyme Park, Disley

Located just a short car journey away from Manchester, the stunning Lyme Park is a beautiful stately home, which has transformed immeasurably since it was built as a hunting lodge and deer park back in the 1400s. In its most recent guise, the beautiful Edwardian mansion you see today, you might recognise it as the set of The BBC’s Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. It really is a beautiful place. You can walk around the beautiful gardens and take in the views of the house across the lake as you go. Beyond the gardens is the 1,400 acre deer park, made up of moorland, grassland, woodland and pasture, where you can walk or enjoy a romantic horse ride. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, why not enjoy a bite to eat in the café before heading back into the city.

63 Degrees

You don’t have to go to Paris to sample delectable French cuisine, you can experience it right here in Manchester. This tastefully decorated restaurant offers excellent service and a fantastic menu, featuring locally produced food with distinctly French flair. Choose from black truffle risotto to start, roasted pigeon and baby cabbage or beef fillet for main and chocolate and caramel fondant for dessert. As you might expect you’ll find a fantastic wine and champagne list here, but there are also some fabulous cocktails to choose from. La Petite Anglaise is the ultimate gin and tonic, combining French grapefruit liquor with British gin and Italian Bitters. La Crème Brulee is an excellent choice if you don’t fancy a dessert, as vanilla vodka, Cointreau and cream are topped with meringue in this delicious cocktail. To end the meal, L’apres is the perfect choice. Espresso is folded into orange liquor and caramel, creating a rich and decadent alternative to the usual after dinner style coffee.

Cloud 23

Offering breathtaking views over the city, this restaurant and bar is one of the most amazing places to enjoy a romantic drink or even sample an afternoon tea. Perhaps treat yourselves to a delicious speciality afternoon tea which features not only the usual savoury bites, scones, cakes and your choice of tea and coffee, but also seasonal items and a delicious cocktail, all enjoyed while watching the sun set over Manchester. With an outstanding cocktail menu, delicious food and views to die for, Cloud 23 should be high on your list of romantic places to visit on your trip to Manchester.